BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – A North Dakota man has been sentenced to six months in jail in the starvation deaths of more than 100 horses in Burleigh and Morton counties.
 
     William Kiefer pleaded guilty Aug. 2 to nine counts of Class A misdemeanor overworking, mistreating or abandoning animals.  
 
Judge Tom Schneider on Tuesday sentenced Kiefer to one year in jail with six months suspended. The sentence can be served in jail or through electronic monitoring.
 
     Schneider told Kiefer that he cannot own livestock during his two years on probation.
 
     In late January 2013, officials in Morton and Burleigh counties seized more than 150 horses and mules from properties owned by Kiefer northwest of New Salem and east of Bismarck. Several other animals later died.